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Justice News

Department of Justice

U.S. Attorney’s Office

Western District of New York

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tuesday, April 15, 2014

Buffalo Woman Sentenced for Tax Conspiracy

BUFFALO, N.Y. – U.S. Attorney William J. Hochul, Jr. announced today that Emma Mills, 38, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of conspiracy to file false claims with the Internal Revenue Service, was sentenced to 30 months in prison by U.S. District Court Judge Richard J. Arcara. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution totaling $35,519.00 to the Internal Revenue Service and $6,976.00 to the NYS Department of Taxation and Finance.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Trini E. Ross, who handled the case, stated that the defendant conspired with others, including John Tally, to defraud the Internal Revenue Service by creating false and fictitious W-2 forms. The forms were created by obtaining identification information from other persons. The fabricated W-2’s were submitted to the IRS with false tax returns, on which undeserved refunds and tax credits were claimed.

John Tally, 52, of Buffalo, N.Y., who was convicted of fraud and making counterfeit money, was sentenced to 30 months in prison on March 3, 2014.

“On this particular day, Americans everywhere will file their income taxes,” said U.S. Attorney Hochul. “While the vast majority of Americans discharge this obligation honestly, those who would defraud the system should know that our Office will vigorously prosecute any individuals who file false information, in an effort to obtain taxpayer funds to which they are not entitled.”

IRS Criminal Investigation Acting Special Agent-in-Charge Shantelle P. Kitchen said, “Today, as the tax season comes to a close, Americans who file honest and accurate returns can be assured that their government will hold those who do not pay their fair share accountable. The sentencing of Ms. Mills and last month’s sentencing of her co-conspirator, John Tally, are timely examples of the resolve of IRS Criminal Investigation and the United States Attorney’s Office to investigate and prosecute those who defraud our tax system.”

The conviction is the result of an investigation on the part of Special Agents of the Internal Revenue Service, under the direction of Shantelle P. Kitchen, Acting Special Agent in Charge, New York Field Office.